Chinese Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus sinensis)

Uses

Fruit^[7]. Fairly large, about 25mm x 17mm^[4]. No more details, though it is closely related to C. harringtonia, the fruit of which is edible raw if fully ripe[K]. The fruit does not always ripen in Britain, before full ripeness it has a disgusting resinous flavour that coats the mouth and refuses to go away for hours[K]. It is quite likely that the seed of this species is also edible. More research is required[K].

Plant part: Fruit

Plant part: Seed

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

Extracts from the plant have shown anticancer activity^[5]. The branches, roots, leaves, and seeds are a source of many alkaloids, which are used to treat leukaemia and lymphosarcoma^[6].

Product or use: Cancer

Very tolerant of pruning, this plant makes a very good hedge in shady positions^[4]. The wood is used to make furniture, farm implements, crafts, and utensils^[6].

Product or use: Wood

Environment

Range

E. Asia - E. and C. China.

Habitat

Montane coniferous or mixed forests, thickets, stream valleys, valley bottoms, open situations, on granite, sandstone, and limestone substrates at elevations of 600 - 3200 metres^[6].

Light

partial sun

Shade tolerance

permanent shade

Water

moderate

Hardiness

Zone 7+

Soil textures

sandy, loamy, clay

Soil pH

acid, neutral, alkaline

Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil

Drought

intolerant

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame^[3], it should then germinate in the following spring[K]. A hard seedcoat can delay germination, especially in if the seed is not sown as soon as it is ripe[81, K]. Stored seed should be cold-stratified and sown in a cold frame in the spring^[4]. Germination can take 18 months or more. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter under cover. Plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Greenwood cuttings of terminal shoots, August/September in a humid cold frame^[1]^[4]. Difficult^[3].

Cultivation

Prefers a moist well-drained sandy soil but succeeds in most soils though it dislikes dry gravelly or chalky soils^[1]^[4]. Prefers a position in semi-shade but tolerates full shade^[2]^[7] and it also succeeds but does not usually thrive in full sun^[4]. It grows very well in the mild wet coastal region of W. Scotland where it succeeds even in full sun^[4]. Requires a humid sheltered site^[4], strongly disliking very exposed positions^[1]. Although the dormant plant is cold-hardy, the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. Closely related to C. harringtonia^[2]^[4]. Plants are dioecious, but female plants sometimes produce fruits and infertile seeds in the absence of any male plants^[2]. However, at least one male plant for every five females should be grown if you are growing the plants for fruit and seed. Plants have also been known to change sex^[7]. Male cones are produced in the axils of the previous year's leaves, whilst female cones are borne at the base of branchlets^[4].

References